The Write Way: An Author’s Control Over Content and Production
Years ago, when I started my writing career, I signed contracts for a number of romance novels. None of those early contracts discussed e-books because e-books were in the future. When asked my publisher graciously agreed I had the right to publish these books as e-books myself, and so far I’ve re-edited, revised and put…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Mend A Broken Heart
Broken hearts are all too common in life: broken hearts over a failed relationship, a lost job, a personal failure, a defeated dream, illness, the death of a loved one. Sadness and anguish are a natural part of life, but most of us are woefully ignorant of how to overcome a broken heart, how to…
Read MoreFiction Friday: Sarah’s Letters from Endless Chain
This week I answered a question you might have asked yourself about writers. Do we ever re-read our work once it’s been published? On Tuesday and Wednesday I re-read my novel Endless Chain, published in 2005 and reissued in trade paperback last year. The reason why is a secret, but what I found in the…
Read MoreThe Write Way: How Much Control Does an Author Have Over Covers?
Recently I received several emails in response to my last newsletter complaining that my newly reissued romance, The Unmasking, was only available as an e-book and wasn’t in paper–unless a reader can find the original paperback, which is almost a collector’s item. While I sympathize, and wish I could magically produce books in all formats,…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: An Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day I’m sharing a favorite Irish…
Read MoreFiction Friday: Madame Celestin Concludes
Today I’m featuring part two of a story by Kate Chopin. You’ll find the first part in last week’s Fiction Friday. As I was living in Louisiana and researching my two novels Iron Lace and Rising Tides, I read almost everything by Kate Chopin, as well as Lafcadio Hearn’s Chita, and many nonfiction works by…
Read MoreThe Pleasures of Grandchildren
I am spending this week with my beloved grandson, son and daughter-in-law, who came to visit this weekend. Liam, at two, is a reminder of all life’s miracles, and we have had so much fun together. Love sitting with his wonderful parents discussing their lives and all the things we can’t cover in telephone calls.…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Paddling Florida
You’ll want to read about this inspiring young man, Justin Riney, who paddle-boarded 2500 miles around Florida to help raise funds for water conservation. Along the way Justin organized cleanups of waterways and took some incredible photos — there’s a link in the article. Justin “stepped off the ledge,” took a chance and decided to…
Read MoreFiction Friday: Madame Celestin’s Divorce
Welcome to Fiction Friday. Mardi Gras may be over, but we aren’t yet finished with Louisiana. I thought you might enjoy this short story, written by author Kate Chopin in 1894 in a work entitled Bayou Folk. I’ll post it in two parts with the conclusion next Friday. Kate Chopin, born Kate O’Flaherty, grew up in St.…
Read MoreHappy Mardi Gras Day
Happy, happy Mardi Gras whether you’re among those who celebrate, wish you celebrated, or despise parades, beads and king cake any time of year. If you’re watching a parade right now, just know I wish I were right there beside you shouting “Throw me something, Mister!” The Unmasking, which is my one real carnival book, goes…
Read More